Cerebral Palsy Education Centre (CPEC)
WHAT IS CP AND WHO IS CPEC?
Imagine being handed a non-curable diagnosis for your child that suddenly changes your lives from that moment on – where simple ‘givens’ like walking, talking, eating or going to school are suddenly unknown…
This is the reality for many parents who have a child born with Cerebral Palsy. Described by families as a “place of hope”, CPEC (Cerebral Palsy Education Centre) is a not-for-profit charity that provides World-leading programs to help children, adults and families living with cerebral palsy and similar neurological conditions that result in movement challenges, learn essential life skills and live life to the fullest.
CPEC provides over 11,000 hours of therapy a year and uses leading-edge technology to ensure each individual reaches their potential, no matter how severe their disability. Services are designed to be embedded into everyday life activities, with our motto of “learning for life”.
Providing our life-changing programs and equipment costs over $2,000,000 each year. With no direct government funding and a growing demand for our services, we need your help to continue to support our children and families. The cost of ongoing training and mentoring a therapist to support complex disabilities like cerebral palsy is $10,000 per year.
There are many ways you can support CPEC – so please, fundraise for us in the 2024 Nike Melbourne Marathon, help us on the day by becoming a volunteer, or make a direct donation now.
Wishing you all the best, our heartfelt thanks and good luck!
If you would like to learn more about CPEC or how you can support us, please contact Laura Burns via laura.burns@cpec.org.au, or visit our website.
Children's Cancer Institute
Children’s Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research institute in Australia wholly dedicated to curing childhood cancer.
60 years ago, childhood cancer was a death sentence. Today, 8 out of 10 children will survive. But there is much work to be done… that’s where you come in!
Join our #GreenTeam today and help find a cure for the 20 children every week diagnosed with cancer in Australia.
When you raise $100, you’ll receive a FREE Children’s Cancer Institute custom running singlet – Saving lives has never looked better!
With the brightest brains, cutting-edge facilities, and the greatest determination, we believe we will get the job done.
With your support, we can, and we will cure childhood cancer.
It’s not if, it’s when.
Find out more at ccia.org.au
FightMND
FightMND is driven by a singular and urgent purpose: a world without Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Established in 2014, the charity exists to champion hope and lead the fight to defeat ‘The Beast’ that is MND.
The horrible and debilitating disease gradually takes away a person’s use of their arms and legs, their ability to eat and swallow, their speech, and ultimately, their ability to breathe…all in an average timeframe of just 27 months.
In the last decade, FightMND has become one of the world’s largest independent funders of MND research, funding large-scale collaborative research, drug development, clinical trials, and vital assistive equipment for Australians living with MND.
But, the fight is far from over. Join the FightMND family at the 2024 Melbourne Marathon and help defeat the Beast that is MND. Every dollar raised takes us another step closer to a cure.
Simply sign up for the event, create your online fundraising page, and Team FightMND will be there to support you every step of the way.
To learn more visit fightmnd.org.au
Cure Cancer
One Australian dies every 12 minutes from cancer. We can change this, but only through research.
Cure Cancer is dedicated entirely to funding early-career cancer researchers who are working across all cancer types and all areas of cancer research.
Cure Cancer funds research grants to young, talented scientists across Australia. We partner with the best research institutions in the country to ensure our researchers are given the greatest opportunity for success.
Together we can make this the last generation to die from cancer.
WHY CURE CANCER?
Sadly, 9.6 million people die from cancer every year worldwide, and 1 Australian dies every 12 minutes from cancer. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, which is why Cure Cancer funds crucial research from bright young scientists working across all cancer types including rare cancers. Only research will give us the breakthroughs we need to find a cure.
Cure Cancer supports researchers at the start of their careers, when few other funding bodies will take the chance. In today’s research environment, funding is incredibly tight, meaning research grants are few and far between. The majority are awarded to scientists who have a proven track record of results, so very few grants are available to young researchers.
This has led to potentially lifesaving research from incredibly talented young minds going unexplored. We’re here to change that.
For more information, visit our website www.curecancer.com.au
MS Plus
One Australian dies every 12 minutes from cancer. We can change this, but only through research.
Cure Cancer is dedicated entirely to funding early-career cancer researchers who are working across all cancer types and all areas of cancer research.
Cure Cancer funds research grants to young, talented scientists across Australia. We partner with the best research institutions in the country to ensure our researchers are given the greatest opportunity for success.
Together we can make this the last generation to die from cancer.
WHY CURE CANCER?
Sadly, 9.6 million people die from cancer every year worldwide, and 1 Australian dies every 12 minutes from cancer. Cancer doesn’t discriminate, which is why Cure Cancer funds crucial research from bright young scientists working across all cancer types including rare cancers. Only research will give us the breakthroughs we need to find a cure.
Cure Cancer supports researchers at the start of their careers, when few other funding bodies will take the chance. In today’s research environment, funding is incredibly tight, meaning research grants are few and far between. The majority are awarded to scientists who have a proven track record of results, so very few grants are available to young researchers.
This has led to potentially lifesaving research from incredibly talented young minds going unexplored. We’re here to change that.
For more information, visit our website www.curecancer.com.au
Pets of the Homeless
Pets Of The Homeless is a charity that helps to keep vulnerable people and their pets together by alleviating the burden of providing essential pet care during times of hardship.
We recognise the deep bond between vulnerable people and their pets and understand that, during times of crisis, this bond should not be broken due to a lack of essential pet care resources. That’s why we provide pet food and supplies, veterinary care, and safe shelter to those who need it most.
Through our mission, we strive to create an environment where vulnerable individuals can find support for their beloved pets, reducing the strain on animal shelters and promoting a society that values the profound impact of pets in our lives.
Please join us for the Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival 2025 and help us raise much-needed funds to help keep best friends together.
To learn more visit petsofthehomeless.org.au
Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation
On average, 1 person will be diagnosed with cancer in Australia every 4 minutes. Whether it’s you, a family member, or a friend, many of us have been affected by cancer.
Peter Mac is Australia’s only public hospital solely dedicated to cancer, and is the home of Australia’s largest cancer research group. Our team of 750 dedicated researchers are determined to make new life-saving breakthroughs and discover kinder treatments, as quickly as possible, so that every person with cancer has the best chance of a cure.
However, we rely on donations to make this critical work possible. Your support helps give some of the brightest minds in cancer research the specialised technologies and resources they need to make important new breakthroughs – breakthroughs that will save lives.
Every year at Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival we have amazing supporters joining us in the fight against cancer.
Join Team Peter Mac for 2024 Nike Melbourne Marathon Festival and help give new hope to all people affected by cancer.
Have questions? Contact us by emailing events@petermac.org.
My Room Children's Cancer Charity
At My Room Children’s Cancer Charity, we’re on a mission to fight childhood cancer with all we’ve got. We’re a volunteer-led charity that understands the devastating impact of cancer on families. Our goal is to bring hope and respite to Australian families affected by this disease.
We believe that every child deserves a fighting chance, so we work tirelessly to raise funds for holistic support. From financial assistance through our Samaritan Fund to high-quality clinical care and innovative medical research, trials and equipment, we want to give children the best possible chance of beating cancer.
Our commitment to ending childhood cancer is unwavering. We work hand-in-hand with the brightest minds to find the best possible ways to support families affected by childhood cancer, cutting through the red tape without bureaucracy.
Please consider choosing My Room as your charity for the Melbourne Marathon. Each contribution, big or small, makes a difference in the lives of these children and their families.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria
Keep the Flying Doctor Flying!
Every two minutes, someone needs the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Whether it’s a life-threatening injury, an inter-hospital transfer, or to see a GP, dentist or mental health clinician, the RFDS is there for Australians in need.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria works in partnership with a number of community health organisations across the state to improve the health and wellbeing of our rural communities. We believe in creating opportunities so all Victorians have the choice to access essential health care services.
From non-emergency patient transports by air and by road to primary health services reaching the furthest corners of our state, RFDS ensures that great health care is accessible to all, no matter where you live.
By choosing to take part in the 2025 Melbourne Marathon for the Flying Doctor, you are helping us deliver care wherever and whenever we can. You can sign up HERE 2025 NIKE MELBOURNE MARATHON FESTIVAL | Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria
The Victorian Homeless Fund
Run to Rebuild Lives
Last year alone, 93,115 family violence incidents were reported in Victoria. Each number represents a heartbreaking story — a partner or child trapped in a cycle of fear, with limited resources and no safe place to go.
The Victorian Homeless Fund is a Melbourne-based charity dedicated to breaking that cycle. With 100% of funding directed to housing projects, we transform unused residential land into long-term homes for women and children escaping violence. These aren’t just houses; they are fresh starts — places where families can rebuild their lives with stability and dignity.
This year, as a proud Gold Sponsor of the Melbourne Marathon, we’re setting an ambitious goal: $93,115 — one dollar for every family violence report made last year. Every cent raised will go directly into building safe, permanent homes for those in desperate need.
By choosing the Victorian Homeless Fund as your charity for the run, you’re helping create a future where no woman or child is left without a safe place to call home. Together, we can change lives.
Run for change. Run for safety. Run to rebuild lives.
Learn more about our work and how you can help at vichomelessfund.org.au.
The Epilepsy Foundation
The Epilepsy Foundation provides services to people with epilepsy, and their families and carers in Victoria and New South Wales.
Our mission is to reduce the impact of epilepsy on people’s lives and ensure that no one with epilepsy has to go it alone. We do this by working to:
– Ensure equitable access to education and employment
– Reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP)
– Increase safety amongst the community.
Our services include involve providing support programs, information and resources, and tailored education and training for people living with epilepsy.
The Foundation also funds epilepsy research through the Australian Epilepsy Research Fund.
Click here to learn more: https://epilepsyfoundation.org.au/
MND Victoria
MND Victoria is the only not-for-profit organisation in Victoria providing direct care and support services to those impacted by motor neurone disease (MND), at no cost to them.
When someone is diagnosed with MND, their loved ones, extended families, friends, colleagues and service providers are all affected. We provide support services at no cost to the person living with MND and their family. MND Victoria provide a range of services including:
- MND Guide/Support Coordinator (helps with managing symptoms and finding support, has expert knowledge of MND and local services)
- Equipment Service (equipment loan, repair, pick-up and drop-off)
- Carer/Family Support
- Support Groups (connecting with others)
- Information and Education Sessions
- Counselling
- Volunteer Support Services (including hand and foot massage, social visits/phonecalls, support to use iPads, writing your life story)
By supporting MND Victoria through Nike Melbourne Marathon you are helping provide direct care, support and vital assistive equipment to Victorians living with motor neurone disease. For more information on our services please visit: https://www.mnd.org.au/
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Very Special Kids
Very Special Kids provides specialist palliative care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and tailored support for their families – through life, death and bereavement. Our integrated approach includes emotional, clinical and practical support to improve quality of life and create positive, lasting memories.
As Victoria’s only children’s hospice, our holistic services support more than 850 families across Victoria. Our multidisciplinary approach includes clinical care, counselling, sibling support, bereavement support and community activities for the whole family.
We are delighted to be an associate charity for the Great Ocean Road Running Festival. We invite you to join Team Very Special Kids and help us raise vital funds to help children, young people and their families navigate the challenges of life-limiting childhood illness.
If you join our team and fundraise $200 you will receive a free Team Very Special Kids running singlet.
Taking the first step in support of Very Special Kids is easy: simply register and create an online fundraising page, and Rowena will be in touch to offer you support during your fundraising journey.
You can reach Rowena directly at rsyme@vsk.org.au or on 03 9804 6228.
For more information about Very Special Kids, please visit our website: www.vsk.org.au.
Dementia Australia
Brotherhood of St Laurence
Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation
SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS
